The Strath Haven volleyball team's bus was stuck in traffic for two hours and 30 minutes en route to William Tennent, site of the Panthers' PIAA Class AAA tournament opener Thursday night.

As it turns out, it was merely a sign of things to come for Haven. The Panthers, Central League runnersup making their second consecutive trip to the state tournament, couldn't keep pace with Bishop Shanahan for the second time in a week, losing a 3-0 decision by scores of 25-9, 25-18 and 25-13 to end their season.

"Shanahan can attack from everywhere," Haven coach Kevin Haney said. "They can attack from the back row, they can change shots, they can really do everything. It's like playing against a college team. I'd be hard-pressed to find anyone out there who can beat them."

The Eagles' next opponent, District 11 powerhouse Parkland, just might be one of those teams. The Trojans are again one of the state's elite after taking home the 2011 AAA championship, and they'll be a tremendous matchup for Shanahan Saturday at Spring-Ford at 4:30 p.m. The Eagles claimed a 2-0 victory over Parkland in the final of the Black Knight tournament in October.

As she has all season, All-Delco Sharay Barnes led the Panthers with seven kills, while Bailey Woods put forth 15 assists and 10 digs. Rachel Powers had 13 digs, while Alice Roberts pounded out five kills.

"We lose Sharay, Kelsey (Leddy), Bailey, Jordan (Scull) and Rachel, and that's tough," Haney said. "But we have a strong junior class coming back, we'll have lots of sophomores ready, and we have a couple freshmen that are going to make an instant impact next year. We'll be strong again. If we can put it all together -- and a lot of that falls on coaching -- we can get back here."

Gabby Carlini made one save for the goose egg, her 14th of the year, while two-time All-Delco Moira Putsch dished out a pair of assists.

The Irish advance to Monday's semifinal as they host the Hill School at 3:15 p.m. at the Haverford Reserve.

Hockey

Springfield 10, Upper Darby 7

The Cougars (1-0-0) didn't quite resemble the defensive juggernaut that everyone has come to expect them to be. Instead, they knocked off the Royals thanks to four goals and an assist from Kyle Riddle, four points from Tom Coll and three points each from Dan Madonna, Nick Biehl and Tyler Riddle in a Central League game.

Joe Pozzuolo and James Fitzgerald each notched three points for the Royals (0-1-0).

In Class AAA action:

Malvern Prep 6, Cardinal O'Hara 2

All-Delco Jeff Beck picked up where he left off a year ago with a tally off of a Scott Grinnan assist, while Steve McElroy and Matt Smith drew helpers on a Bob Churchill power play goal, but the Lions (0-1-0) dropped their opener to the Friars.